Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal. . . .

— Philippians 3:13-14

It’s easy to get trapped in the past, isn’t it? We hold on to things we wish we could undo, replaying those moments in our minds again and again. It’s as if we are carrying a heavy bag full of regret, guilt, or past mistakes—constantly reminding ourselves of our shortcomings. I know I’ve struggled with that—especially when I have wished I could turn back time and do things differently. But here Paul reminds us that the past is behind us, and that dwelling on it doesn’t help us to grow. In fact, that can hold us back from the new things God wants to do in our lives. There’s a freedom in forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, just as Paul describes in this passage. God is calling us to press on— to pursue the goal he has for us. This doesn’t mean forgetting the lessons of the past, but it does mean no longer letting the past define our future. There’s a prize ahead, and it’s waiting for all of us who are ready to leave our old life behind. Let’s press on toward the newness that God has for us, not letting our past mistakes or regrets hold us back.

Lord, help me to let go of the past and to press forward into the future you have called me to. May I strain toward the prize you have for me, trusting that your grace is sufficient. Amen.